A lawyer who served as AG from 1991 to 1993 under George HW Bush, Barr reportedly isn't keen on the job and is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing given comments on the Russia investigation and Hillary Clinton.

Trump also said he would nominate Heather Nauert, a former Fox News anchor who served as spokesperson for the State Department, to replace Nikki Haley as ambassador to the UN.

Nauert was seen as the favorite, though former deputy national security adviser Dina Powell was also considered, per the Hill.